By: Michelle Gilliam

As a public relations professional, I am often tasked with producing special events. At approximately 28 weeks pregnant, I was preparing to introduce the new executive director of a local nonprofit when my cell phone rang. My OB was finally calling with the results of my amniocentesis that I had been awaiting for ten days, but I was ready. I knew the beautiful baby growing inside me had Down Syndrome, and I was prepared to love him with all of my heart.

At our 12-week ultrasound, the obstetrician saw an enlarged neck on the tiny fetus I already loved so much. She measured the nuchal fold and brought in a nurse who specialized in genetics to discuss the little baby’s chances of survival. Just five months earlier, I had suffered a devastating miscarriage, and I wasn’t sure I could lose another little one. The nurse explained we had a 33 percent chance the baby had Down Syndrome, a 33 percent chance of a fatal chromosomal abnormality and a 33 percent chance that my child had no special needs at all. My husband weighed the numbers while I cried. It was all too much to handle, but down deep inside, I knew everything was going to be just fine.

My son is now 16 months old and is the light of my life. He is outgoing, loves to smile and laugh and is one of most popular children in his daycare class. When I post photos of him on Facebook , he gets hundreds of likes and tons of comments in minutes. I only wish I had known how much joy he would bring when I first found out he might have special needs. For anyone facing a special needs diagnosis, I have some advice:

1. Do your research: While all of the information about various chromosomal abnormalities is overwhelming, research on various special needs can help when faced with a diagnosis. Within weeks of finding out my son had an extra 21st chromosome , we were already connected with the Down Syndrome Association of Jacksonville and Hope Haven Children’s Clinic and Family Center . Knowing what to expect made coping with a special needs diagnosis much easier.

2. Don’t get discouraged: When a local daycare center wouldn’t accept my baby because of his extra chromosome, I was devastated. I thought I might have to quit working to raise my son. I was very wrong. Most daycare centers were delighted to care for my son, and we enrolled him in one that encourages and guides him.

3. Stay positive: A positive attitude is vital to dealing with the challenges facing a parent with a special needs diagnosis. Before you have had the opportunity to meet your lovely child, it is difficult to wonder what the future might hold yet it is easy to bury yourself in self-doubt and disappointment. When feeling down, remember that your child is unique and wonderful in his or her own way and keep looking towards a bright future. A positive attitude makes every challenge easier.

When I found out my son had a special needs diagnosis, I thought of all of the things he wouldn’t be able to do. Then, I started to meet people with Down Syndrome, and I discovered he would be able to play sports, go to college and get married. I quickly realized that Down Syndrome isn’t a disability at all. It’s just one extra chromosome to love.

By: Holly Bishop

When your new baby is born one of the first things family and friends ask is, “How much did she weigh?” Healthy growth and development has such a wide range of what is acceptable it can sometimes be difficult to notice if there is a problem.

As a mom, I am guilty of “Googling” every little odd symptom my daughter has had since birth. I have probably visited more than 100 mommy blogs, health sites and pediatrician’s websites; I even looked for similar photos of rashes in hopes of diagnosing the problem. Something I have come to realize in my first 18 months of parenting is there really is no such thing as “average” or “normal.” Every child is different, thus, symptoms and growth chart levels will be different. The important thing to remember is to weed out the bad information and use your doctor and trust care provider as a resource, when you have concern

Be wary of opinion based information people put out there on blogs and forums or websites from organizations written by individuals that are not medically trained or certified. That’s a hard thing to stay away from, especially while you’re frantically searching for answers on the internet at 3 a.m. While the internet and search engines are a wonderful tool, they can be tricky with information.

While it is important to educate yourself as a parent on the general developmental milestones, health issues and common problems in young children, be picky with the websites you base your knowledge from and always go to legitimate physician based source first.

As always, no matter what any reliable website says, if you as a parent have a gut feeling that something is wrong, take your child to the pediatrician immediately. Most doctors would rather parents be proactive, than wait until things got worse.

A few great sites with quality information:

http://www.Kidshealth.org – Based from Nemours Children’s Clinic and most articles written are from Nemours physicians.
http://www.Healthychildren.org – Sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics

By:Holly Bishop

The “Terrible Twos” have been my hardest challenge as a parent so far. Sleepless nights with a newborn seem like a cake walk compared to the strong willed and bossy little girl I have now. This is the stage where they no longer look or act like your sweet little baby. They turn into these tiny daredevil earthquakes that can destroy a house in less than five minutes. My daughter is not quite two but she is already in the stage many like to call the “terrible twos.” Her preschool teacher refers to her as the monkey because she climbs up any ledge, table, chair, door or wall she can find. Her favorite word is “no,” and she says it with gusto and a finger pointed directly at you.

A friend told me years ago, long before I even had thoughts of being a parent, the “terrible two’s” are only as terrible as you allow them to be. All too often parents allow their children to dictate their lives and their level of happiness or stress. I firmly believe children need reasonable boundaries to develop as well rounded children. Schedules and routines are my trick.
Since my daughter, Mckenli, was about three months old, my husband and I worked together to develop a schedule that helped her transition more easily throughout the day. And we still have the same schedule, with a few adjustments, for our now 18 month old. At bedtime she knows to get her blanket and teddy and go to her little bed. I have no doubt she is a happier child because of her reliable routine.

Part of a toddler’s healthy development is learning their own independence and exploring. Their little minds absorb so much in a single day; it can be overwhelming at times. This often leads to mini outbursts or defiance towards you as a parent or other authority figures. They are simply trying to test the limits and in a way, test how consistent you are with your rules.

So my advice as the parent of a toddler is first and most importantly to be patient. I know this is easier said than done, but toddlers still can’t fully express what they are feeling or what they are thinking. They get frustrated and angry. It’s much easier to be comforting and reassuring than react to the outbursts with discipline.

Also, give your toddler some slack on the “rope” every now and then. Keep a close watch, but let them explore a little more each time you are in a new situation. Constant boundaries, rules and saying “no” can lead to more frustration with an already impatient little one.

Finally, remember you are not perfect. You will make mistakes and there will be good days and bad days. But as you tuck your little ones into bed each night, remember they are looking at you for direction. Show them your love and willingness to learn and change with them as they grow.

Being a parent is the hardest job in the world. But even with a “terrible two-year-old” it is also the most rewarding.

Caption: My daughter Mckenli at 15 Months Old)

By: Holly Bishop

For an expectant family, choosing a pediatrician can be an overwhelming task, especially for first time parents. When I learned I was going to be a mom, it was certainly the last thing on my to-do list. That was mostly because I didn’t know what I was looking for and there are so many pediatricians in our area. To me, a doctor was a doctor. As I asked my close friends and family and did a little research it became clear there are many different kinds of pediatricians out there. So, to help in that journey of selecting your child’s care provider, here are a few steps I took ¬when choosing the doctor for my daughter.

1) Make a list of the things you absolutely require in your pediatrician.
• 24/7 on call nurses/doctors?
• Do they offer delayed vaccinations if needed?
• Do they have lactation consultants or do they support breastfeeding moms?
• Insurance and Payment plans. Consider the financial aspect.
• Can they ensure you see the same doctor every time?

2) Research reviews from other families on the doctor and their facility. Once you narrow down the list of your local pediatricians start your homework. Ask current families their opinions as they walk out of the building or ask friends and family about the doctors they recommend or don’t recommend. Check online reviews on Google or Health Grades. Also, many facilities have a website with contact information and links for resources.

3) Research the background of the doctor. When you get your list down to just a few, do some homework on the qualifications of the doctor. What is their education history and professional background? How long have they been in practice?

4) Have a consultation and meet the staff. Most doctors willingly schedule consultation appointments even for expectant parents. These visits are free and can be quite helpful in your decision process. They may give you informational brochures or handouts about their procedures and office policies. This is the time to ask your questions and get a feel for the atmosphere of the facility. (Have a list ready before your appointment!)

5) Do you feel a connection to the doctor? During the consultation you will be able to decipher the personality of the doctor and if you feel comfortable. Listen to your gut and make sure the doctor speaks clearly about how they provide care. It’s important to feel at ease with your pediatrician and fully understand what they are doing when they treat your child.

(Caption: My daughter at 1 day old and her first pediatrician)

By: Virginia Pillsbury

As the mother to six kids, I know sniffles. One of my best friends, Martha Rich, is a nurse at Orange Park Pediatrics. She shares the following information about when to worry about the sniffles.
Normal cold symptoms?
Stuffy head, nasal drainage or congestion, cough (tickle in throat), some loss of appetite, low grade fever. “Colds are viral in nature and can’t be treated with antibiotics,” says Nurse Martha. “You can only treat the symptoms, but the cold can develop into a secondary infection such as an ear infection or even strep throat.”

How to treat?
*Medicate your child with appropriate doses of Tylenol or Motrin. NEVER give aspirin.
*Cold remedy medications should never be given without first consulting your healthcare professional.

Comfort measures:
*Dab a bit of petroleum jelly under the nose/above the upper lip if the runny nose is making your child’s nose sore or red.
*Steam from the shower can loosen congestion. Sit in the steamy room and see if it helps.
*Cool mist humidifiers keep the air moist and help clear stuffy noses.
*Teach your child how to blow his or her nose.
*Plain saline drops can help think thick mucus from a baby’s nose. Follow it by a gentle bulb suction.
*Gives your child plenty of fluids to keep them well hydrated and to help thin mucus secretions.
*Elevate your child’s head when they are sleeping.
*Putting your baby in an infant seat to elevate them can sometimes provide relief.

Call the doc if:
*Your child has a high fever, chills, muscles aches or shortness of breath, it is likely the flu.
*Symptoms get worse or there is no improvement after three days.
*Coughing lasts longer than a week
*Wheezing, difficulty breathing or lethargy are part of the symptoms.
*Your child starts pulling at the ears.
*Your child is vomiting or has diarrhea.
*There is a severe headache or stiffness in the neck.

Prevention:
*Teach children, caregivers and other family members to wash hands well throughout the day.
*Keep your sick children home from school or daycare.
*Do not share eating/drinking utensils.
*Cover mouth with the crook of your arm instead of you hand when coughing.
*Dispose of soiled tissues properly.

By: Jacquie Wojcik

1) Know that managing Type 1 diabetes is good practice for taking care of a kid. Babies are demanding at all hours of the day, can’t be reasoned with, refuse to be ignored and require lots of supplies and accessories. Sound like anything else you’ve lived with?

2) Prioritize the food issues. Because it’s just not enough to calculate your carbohydrate intake and insulin dosage on an almost-hourly basis, now you’re faced with a confusing and frustrating list of foods you should and should not be ingesting. For me, concentrating mostly on the diabetes stuff was helpful. I worried about maintaining healthy blood sugar levels first and foremost, and cut myself some slack when it came to things like DANGEROUS CHEESES TO AVOID and LUNCHMEAT WILL KILL YOU.

3) A Continuous Glucose Monitor can help. Insulin pumps seem to be the must-have accessory for pregnant Type 1 diabetics, but I don’t know what I would have done without my continuous glucose monitor. It sends my glucose levels to my insulin pump every few minutes, so I can always keep track of where my blood sugar is, where it’s been and where it’s going. I doubt I could have maintained the blood glucose control I did without its help.

4) Seek out other Type 1 Moms. It feels like expectant mothers are everywhere, but only a few of them are dealing with impending motherhood and Type 1 diabetes. Thank goodness for the Internet; there are blogs and chat rooms and toolkits all over the place. It’s always refreshing to talk to someone who’s been (or who is) pretty much right where you are.

5) Remember: just because your pancreas is broken, doesn’t mean that the rest of your body is. I’ll admit, I was so used to struggling with all the things my body can’t do (namely, regulate its own blood glucose levels) that I forgot that there are some pretty amazing things it can. Pregnancy with Type 1 diabetes is very tough, but it’s also an opportunity to see your anatomy as something other than completely busted. Try not to expect the worst, and give yourself — and your body — credit for the things you’re doing right.

Visit Jacquie’s Blog Here

When you’re pregnant, there is no end to the health advice you’ll receive. Some of it will be warranted (like that you receive from your doctor), while lots of it will probably be unnecessary and, sometimes, downright incorrect (like that you receive from random strangers on the street. Hey, it happens.)

When it comes to your diet, however, there actually are a few foods you should shy away from for health reasons, and others that will work wonders for your body while you’re pregnant. Keep the following five foods and drinks in mind if you’re currently eating for two and, of course, if you’re unsure of whether or not something is okay to eat, it’s best to check with your doctor first.

Item: Fruit Juice
Verdict: Steer Clear
While it’s true that most fruit juices are full of vitamins and nutrients, they also tend to be full of something that’s not quite so good for you—sugar. When you are pregnant, you will start to hear people talk about something called gestational diabetes, a condition some doctors estimate 12 to 15% of pregnant women get. Although many times babies whose mothers contract gestational diabetes are born perfectly healthy, in certain cases it can be harmful to an unborn child. As such, it’s important to keep sugar levels in check when you’re pregnant.

Item: Figs
Verdict: In the Clear
Figs are full of all kinds of nutrients and vitamins essential to keep baby happy, healthy and growing. There’s fiber, potassium, magnesium and iron, as well as vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting and bone formation.

Item: Leafy Veggies
Verdict: Steer Clear
The problem with greens like spinach or kale is that they could be carriers of listeriosis, a bacteria that could be very hazardous for both baby and mom, if not washed properly. The vitamins and minerals that you could be receiving from these leafy veggies are probably best found elsewhere while you’re pregnant.

Item: Artichokes
Verdict: In the Clear
Artichokes are a great source of folate, which has been shown to help prevent birth defects. It also helps a body metabolize proteins.

Item: Eggs
Verdict: In the Clear
For just 90 calories, one egg will provide you with more than 12 vitamins and minerals, as well as healthy protein and choline, which promotes baby’s overall growth and brain health.

For more on what to look out for when you’re pregnant, check out this list of 8 surprising pregnancy dangers you might not be aware of.

As moms, we all have those days where we want to fall flat on our face and just go to bed. With PTA meetings, soccer practice, doctor’s appointments, laundry and, of course, putting dinner on the table, moms need an escape to decompress.

After careful thought and consideration as well as experimenting with each of these methods myself, I can promise that any number of these activities will help any mom retain her sanity and enjoy the alone time, however short that time may be.

5 Pampering/Relaxation Activities:
1) Yoga: Deep breathing and concentrating your mind on calm and serene things can lower blood pressure, reduce mental stresses and help keep the mind off of the hectic things outside of the room so you can focus on your inner peace. There are several yoga studios across the First Coast, but my personal favorite is MBody Yoga.
2) Facial/Massage/Pedicure Spa Day: There is nothing more relaxing than a good face, back or foot massage. Check out Panache Day Spa and Salon for different pampering packages!
3) Reading: Something as simple as a great fiction novel or a good gossip magazine can help any mom escape and relax for a few moments each day.
4) Aromatherapy Baths: A nice hot bubble bath with relaxing aromatherapy scents is sure to help any busy mom decompress at the end of a long day. Visit Sphere in St Augustine for aromatherapy products and spa packages.
5) Cooking/Baking: While I can’t make a batch of cookies without setting off alarms, baking cookies, cakes or tasty treats is still therapeutic. It is relaxing to focus your mind on something simple like mixing a few ingredients to reach a yummy end result.

5 DIY Activities:
1) Homemade Soaps or Body Scrubs: Pinterest has countless homemade body scrub recipes to choose from in varying difficulties. If you want something new and exciting, Green Lotus Studios in Riverside offers soap making classes as well as other fun DIY activities for moms to enjoy as a group.
2) Scrapbooking: As moms we are preprogrammed to take as many photos of our kids as possible. Every little life event is photo worthy. By taking the time to arrange these photos into an aesthetic piece of art for everyone to enjoy, you reward yourself with a cherished finished product. The First Coast has several scrapbooking shops for supplies and tutorial classes, here are a few: Things Very Special & Pictures In Time
3) Wreath-Making: Following friends on Pinterest this little craft is gaining popularity. Try visiting a few arts and crafts stores for creative ideas on making your own wreath. It could be a great project to do every season.
4) Sewing/Knitting/Crocheting: Not everyone is an expert; but making a scarf for a friend or just going to a knitting class with girlfriends can be therapeutic. Best of all, you have something to show for the time you spend! *
5) Pottery Making: This activity could be something you can do alone, with a group of friends or bring the kids for some weekend fun. Here are a few shops in Jacksonville: Pottery Works & Doing Dishes